The ADMSEP introduced the national program in 2012 to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and mentorship necessary for pursuing scholarly activities in medical student education. Dr. Waineo, the School of Medicine’s psychiatry clerkship director and psychiatry course director, is one of six psychiatry medical student educators chosen through a competitive application process. During a two-year period, each scholar will participate in special workshops at two ADMSEP annual meetings, and will develop and carry out a scholarly project pertaining to medical student education.

Dr. Waineo plans to research the impact on medical students of the School of Medicine’s curriculum on recognition and treatment of substance use disorders.

“I also have a strong interest in medical student wellness and would like to research ways to positively influence medical students’ mental and physical wellbeing at the school,” she said.
Completion of the program will result in a Certificate of Excellence in Educational Scholarship.

“Dr. Waineo is a gifted, charismatic teacher and mentor who continues to make innovative and sustained contributions to medical student education. This is prestigious national attention recognizes the impact of her work and once again demonstrates that when it comes to medical student education, Wayne State University is where the action is,” said Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences Chair David Rosenberg, M.D.

Dr. Waineo also is assistant director of Medical Student Education in the department. She teaches second- and third-year medical students, as well as didactic resident classes and a resident elective focused on medical student education.

“Wayne State University School of Medicine is committed to education, clinical work, service and research. This medical school can balance those roles well and provide diverse opportunities for medical students, residents and faculty. It is one of the many reasons I continue to enjoy working here,” Dr. Waineo added.

She also directs the new wellness curriculum being integrated across all four years of medical school.

“I have been committed to teaching from the start of my career. Now I have a chance to learn more about medical education research, meet others who share my interest and learn from experienced senior faculty,” she said. “I hope to improve my knowledge of research methods, develop an effective project and publish the results. I hope to develop relationships with others interested in furthering the same skills and those who are experts in the field. Through participation in this program, I hope to find a way to contribute to the knowledge that has been so important in my own medical education and teaching at the School of Medicine.”